Course description
This course aims to
• Help participants develop a greater awareness of the natural world and individual, personal responses to it using a range of creative and mindfulness exercises
• Facilitate learning and creative expression in a natural environment rather than indoors
• To encourage a playful and open response to nature
Who is this course is for?
Everyone with a love of nature, and a wish to celebrate and explore their relationship to it, through a range of simple creative and mindfulness exercises. No previous writing, drawing, painting or meditation experience is necessary! The aim is not to write the perfect poem, or paint the perfect picture, the emphasis will be on connecting with ourselves and using words, or making marks on a page to bring our sense impressions into focus.
Our activities will be based mainly in the Open Access Land at Stanmer, as it’s quieter and wilder, than the more public areas. We will be using pathways, but will also be in fields, which may involve cross country walking on uneven surfaces, or uphill at times. We will probably walk for about one and a half hours in total, within the four hour workshop, although this will be broken up, with creative activities in between. If you think this may be a challenge to your physical fitness, then please do contact The Friends Centre for more advice.
What will I be able to do by the end of the course?
• Bring a greater awareness to your own experience of the natural world
• You will have learnt some simple creative and mindfulness exercises to help you do this
What materials will I need?
All participants should bring the following:
• A plastic bag, cushion or light weight folding stool to sit on. NB whatever you bring you must carry
• A picnic lunch and something to drink/bottle of water
• A pad of unlined paper, pencil and/or a pen (also if you wish paints/charcoals/pastels etc)
• Appropriate clothing for the weather and location! e.g. comfortable shoes for walking, waterproof jacket or shady hat
• If it’s sunny bring sunscreen!
How will I know I am making progress?
The tutor will aid you throughout the course and give feedback where necessary. If you feel more aware of your body, of your breath, of the sounds of the birds and the wind, the smell of the leaves, the textures and colours around you – by the end of the workshop – then that’s definitely progress!
Is there any extra study outside the class?
n/a
Who is the tutor?
“I believe being creative is as natural to us as breathing. Everyone can do it!”
Wendy Greenhalgh is a local writer and artist with ten years experience of meditation and mindfulness practice. Since she was very young, nature has been a source of inspiration and peace for her, and she spent much of her childhood sitting or playing on a Welsh hill. She’s exhibited her art widely, and her writing has been published nationally. She also regularly performs her stories at literary events such as Short Fuse at Komedia in Brighton. She is an experienced Adult Education teacher, and taught English abroad for several years. She currently works for an Environmental Education Charity. Follow her on www.twitter.com/naturewriting
What next?
Wendy is teaching Writing from Nature at Friends Centre or other writing courses are also on offer.
Student Support
At the Friends Centre we are committed to meeting the learning needs of all our students.
We would like to know if you have a disability or impairment such as partially sighted, deaf or hearing impaired, mobility problems or wheelchair user, a mental health difficulty such as depression or anxiety, or a medical condition such as epilepsy or ME. We would also like to know if you are dyslexic, dyscalculic, or dyspraxic. This way we can work with you to make sure you have the support you need while you are studying with us. We also offer classes and support in literacy, maths and IT for anyone who thinks they need some help in those areas. To arrange a confidential interview with our Advice and Guidance Officer, Pat Rosine please call 01273 810210 or email p.rosine@friendscentre.org
Closure of courses
All courses that do not reach minimum numbers will be closed. Before we close a course, providing numbers are reasonable, we discuss with the tutor, and students if the course has started, if there are any ways we could continue. These can include an increased fee, a shorter class time or running for fewer weeks.
Refunds
Refunds are made automatically if the Centre cancels a course. Partial refunds will be made if a course is cancelled before the end of term. Otherwise fees are not refunded, except in very exceptional personal circumstances. Requests for a refund should be made in writing to the Friends Centre. If your attendance is prevented by illness we will be sympathetic but a medical certificate will be required.
Kinsella Hardship Fund
We have a small fund available to help students who have a problem paying fees. Please apply in writing to the Friends Centre, in complete confidence, explaining the reasons for your application. We may be able to offer a reduction of up to half the reduced fee or allow you to pay in instalments over a longer period than usual.
Contact details for this course
Please contact GAE to enrol on this course or for more information.
Contact name
Support Officer Oliver Fisher
Post
Brighton Junction,
Isetta Square,
Brighton,
BN1 4GQ
Telephone
01273 810210
